Public Safety

How to become a Police Officer

From no experience: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there

6–12 months

Typical pay

$55k–$85k

Starting from

No experience

Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from no experience and includes any licence or programme legally required, not just course length.

The route

1. 1

   varies

   Meet the minimum requirements

   Age, clean record, licence, and usually 60 college credits or military service.

   Course that covers thisIntroduction to Criminal JusticeUdemy · around $99.99 →
2. 2

   6–12 months

   Pass the entrance process

   Written exam, physical test, polygraph, psychological and background investigation.

3. 3

   5–7 months

   Complete the academy

   Paid, roughly six months of law, tactics, firearms and driving.

   ◆ State POST certification

4. 4

   3–6 months

   Finish field training

   Months riding with a training officer before you are cleared solo.

5. ✓

   Destination

   Police Officer

   Browse jobs now →

Course links are Udemy affiliate links. We earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.